ISLAMABAD(Staff Reporter); President Zardari urges collective efforts to combat hepatitis, President Asif Ali Zardari has labeled hepatitis as a “silent killer” in his message on World Hepatitis Day, emphasizing the global challenge posed by the disease.
President Zardari noted that the asymptomatic nature of hepatitis increases its spread, leading to a significant number of deaths worldwide each year. He highlighted the severe threat hepatitis poses to public health in Pakistan, stressing that the large number of hepatitis patients places a heavy burden on the nation’s healthcare system.
To address this public health crisis, President Zardari called for extensive screening and timely diagnosis. He stated that such measures would alleviate the strain on Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure. He warned that without prompt action, the number of hepatitis cases in Pakistan could rise.
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The President underscored the need for decisive steps to protect public health, including promoting preventive measures, enhancing screening, testing, and treatment facilities nationwide. He stressed the importance of raising awareness about hepatitis prevention, screening, and treatment.
President Zardari urged collective efforts to combat hepatitis, calling on the media, educational institutions, teachers, and civil society to educate people about the disease. “Let’s work together to create a hepatitis-free Pakistan,” he concluded.
Note,
According to the WHO report, hepatitis is the eighth highest cause of mortality. Pakistan bears the second-largest burden of hepatitis C globally, with a nationwide prevalence of 4.8%. From 2015 to 2019, there was a 5% increase in hepatitis C-related deaths and an 8% increase in hepatitis B-related deaths
